Want a better Erie and state of PA? Listen to Black Pennsylvanians
Seeking a better Pennsylvania for all of the commonwealth's residents is what public service is all about for me. I've spent the better part of my adult life seeking "what is better" for my community in many different capacities. And after serving a term as the chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC), here is what I know: Listening to and investing in Black Pennsylvanians will pay major dividends — boosting both the commonwealth's economy and social justice efforts.
In August, the PLBC took to the road — to the city of Erie — to attend a series of conversations, policy hearings and listening sessions with Black business owners, clergy, elected officials and community leaders. It was meaningful to both the legislators and Black residents of Erie.
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A little history. In 2017, Erie was named the worst city in the country for Black Americans to live. Forty-seven percent of the Black population lived in poverty, and there were other health and socioeconomic disparities. There was outcry from Erie's Black community. For some, the report only confirmed what they already knew.
More:Black Erie residents react to worst city ranking
Fast forward to September 2020, Erie County declared racism a public health crisis and in 2021, established the Erie County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission. Now known as Diverse Erie, the commission is working to advance homeownership, entrepreneurship, and more among Erie's Black residents. They hope to recruit Black educators and are investing in projects and initiatives to support Black businesses and the BIPOC community. Erie's NAACP chapter, its Black clergy and the Erie Black Democratic Caucus are also working to improve the quality of life for Black residents. In November 2021, Erie moved to number 15 on the list of the 20 worst cities for Black people. Progress? Yes. But let's get Erie off the list altogether.
To do that, we need to listen to Black residents. When we do, they will tell what their families, small businesses and communities need to succeed. That visit to Erie is much like the conversations the PLBC has had with Black-led advocacy groups, business owners, clergy, and residents from across the commonwealth. For years, we've met them in their neighborhoods, in Harrisburg and virtually. We've held roundtables and listening sessions. We've listened to their concerns. But we need others to listen too.
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What is even more critical is the need for our colleagues in Harrisburg to listen to Black and other marginalized Pennsylvanians. Then after listening, we need them to do something with the information they've heard and include Black residents in the solutions. While the PLBC is already doing that, we need to bring everyone along in order to make true change.
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Erie County took one step toward addressing the racial disparities and empowered its Black residents. There's more heavy lifting to do in Erie and across the commonwealth. In 2019, Pittsburgh was named the worst city for Black women to live. Philadelphia, a majority minority city, remains the poorest big city in the country. During the pandemic, Pennsylvania had the highest state Black unemployment rate.
More:Diverse Erie makes $1.1 million in grants to drive generational impact in BIPOC communities
Erie's early signs of success demonstrate that we can have a more equitable and prosperous Pennsylvania for all of its residents, especially its Black residents — if only we just listen to them.
State Rep. Donna Bullock represents the 195th Legislative District in Philadelphia. She currently serves as the chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus in the state House.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Rep. Donna Bullock calls on lawmakers to listen to Black PA residents
